Taycte launches first private label organic hazelnut spreads

Taycte has introduced its first private label products, two certified organic hazelnut spreads made in Italy and now sold in the U.S. The launch expands the North Carolina importer from sourcing European foods to creating its own branded products.

Why it matters: - Taycte is moving beyond importing and curating European foods into owning its own branded product line. - The launch gives U.S. shoppers two organic hazelnut spreads with short ingredient lists and no palm oil or artificial additives. - The products enter a category where many spreads rely on cheaper fillers and added emulsifiers.

What happened: - Taycte announced its first private label products: Taycte Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Cream and Taycte Organic Hazelnut Honey Cream. - Both spreads are made in Italy and are now available in the U.S. - Both products are sold at taycte.com and on Amazon. - The company is based in Lincolnton, North Carolina.

The details: - Taycte Organic Hazelnut Cocoa Cream contains three ingredients: organic hazelnuts, organic cocoa and organic cane sugar. - The cocoa spread contains no palm oil, hydrogenated fats or artificial additives. - Taycte Organic Hazelnut Honey Cream contains only organic hazelnuts and organic honey. - The honey spread includes no added sugar. - Both spreads are certified organic and available exclusively in the U.S. through Taycte. - Co-founder Kajo Kajevic said the products reflect his background in sports physiology and his view that healthier sweets can shape nutrition habits early. - Kajevic said the brand is designed around a treat that gets sweetness from real ingredients rather than refined sugar. - Co-founder Dan Lee said the private label launch follows years of importing exceptional products and setting a standard for quality. - Lee said the hazelnut cocoa spread has become his family's solution for an occasional sweet tooth.

Between the lines: - The private label launch marks a shift from distribution to product development, which can give Taycte more control over margin, brand identity and formulation. - The short ingredient lists and certified-organic positioning target shoppers who want simpler labels and fewer processed ingredients. - The health-focused message is likely meant to differentiate the spreads in a crowded nut-cream market.

What's next: - Taycte is likely to use the new spreads to extend its brand beyond imported pantry staples. - The company may build on the launch with additional private label products if the hazelnut spreads gain traction. - Taycte continues to import food products from Italy, Croatia and the broader Mediterranean, including extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar, truffle delicacies, sauces and appetizers.